Sixth childhood disease

What is three-day fever?

Three-day fever, also known as exanthema subitum or sixth childhood disease, is a common viral infection in infants and young children. It is caused by human herpesvirus 6 (HHV-6) or human herpesvirus 7 (HHV-7).

If you suspect that your child has a three-day fever, you can contact Dr. Dropin for advice and assessment. We offer both video consultations and consultations at our clinics.

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Symptoms of three-day fever (6th childhood disease)

High fever: Sudden high fever (39-40°C) lasting 3-5 days.
Rash: After the fever subsides, the child may develop a pale pink, small dotted rash on the body and face. The rash is usually not itchy.
Other symptoms: Runny nose, irritability, reduced appetite, swollen lymph nodes on the neck.

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Treatment of three-day fever (6th childhood disease)

Three-day fever usually resolves on its own without specific treatment.

Relief of symptoms:

  • Fever: Give antipyretic medicine such as paracetamol or ibuprofen (follow the dosage instructions on the package).
  • Discomfort: Make sure the child gets enough rest and drink.
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When should you contact a doctor in case of 6th childhood illness?

Contact a doctor immediately if:

  • Your child is under 3 months old and has a high fever.
  • The fever lasts longer than 5 days.
  • The child seems very weak or lethargic.
  • The child has febrile seizures.
  • You are worried about your child's condition

Emergency room: 116 117 / 113

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Prevention of three-day fever (6th childhood disease)

Prevention of three-day fever

There is no vaccine against three-day fever.

Good hand hygiene can help reduce the risk of infection.

Dr. Dropin can help

If you suspect that your child has a three-day fever, you can contact Dr. Dropin for advice and assessment.

We offer both video consultations and consultations at our clinics.

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How do I know if my child's rash could be a sign of a serious illness?

If the child is in bad shape, has a fever, cries, expresses pain or discomfort, does not want to eat or drink anything in particular, is lethargic - then you should contact a doctor for a quick assessment

I think my child has chicken pox, what should I do?

If there is an outbreak of chicken pox in the nursery and you are sure that your child has been infected, all you have to do is keep the child at home until all the sores have dried up.
If the child seems to be in bad shape, has a high fever, etc., you should contact a doctor for an assessment
If you are in doubt as to whether it is chicken pox or not, it might also be good to have an examination by a doctor, so you will know for another time whether the child has had this or not.

Is atopic eczema hereditary?

Heredity plays a significant role in the development of atopic eczema, yes, and if one of the parents has had this, there is a higher risk of their children also developing it.

My child has a rash, can I send him/her to kindergarten for it?

Some types of rash can be contagious, so it is always a good idea to get an assessment from a doctor if you are in doubt.

What is a rash?

Rashes are changes in the skin's colour, texture or appearance, and may be red, itchy, oozing or raised.

What are the common causes of rashes in children in Norway?

Viral infections (measles, rubella, chicken pox), bacterial infections (scarlet fever, chicken pox), allergic reactions (food allergy, eczema), heat rash, nappy rash and insect bites.

What do different rashes look like?

Viral rashes often start on the body and spread, while bacterial rashes are often red and runny. Allergic reactions cause an itchy, red rash, and eczema is dry and itchy. Heat rashes are small, red dots, and insect bites are red and swollen.

When should I contact a doctor with a rash?

Contact a doctor immediately if you have rapid breathing, lethargy, high fever, a rash that does not go away when you press on it, a rash in the mouth/eyes, severe pain or swelling in the face. Contact a doctor within a short time in case of widespread rash, worsening, fever, vomiting, diarrhea or uncertainty about the cause.

Can I use Dr.Dropin video doctor for rashes?

Yes, a video doctor can give advice on milder rashes. If a physical examination is required, you will be referred further.

How to treat rash?

Treatment depends on the cause. Cooling baths, moisturizers and antipruritic agents can relieve symptoms. Antibiotics or allergy medicine may be necessary in some cases.

How to prevent rashes?

Good hygiene, avoid overheating, use sunscreen and bug spray, and follow the vaccination programme.

What is chicken pox?

Chickenpox is a highly contagious viral disease that causes an itchy rash with red dots and blisters. The rash often starts on the body and spreads to the face, arms and legs. The child may also have a fever, headache and be lethargic.

What is hand, foot and mouth disease?

Hand, foot and mouth disease is a viral infection that causes blisters in the mouth, hands and feet. The child may also have a fever and a sore throat. The disease is most common in children under 5 years of age.

What is three-day fever (exanthema subitum)?

Three-day fever is a viral infection that causes a high fever for 3-4 days, followed by a pale pink rash on the body when the fever subsides. The disease is most common in children under 2 years of age.

What is fifth childhood disease (erythema infectiosum)?

Fifth childhood disease is a viral infection that causes a red rash on the cheeks ("slapped cheek"), followed by a lace-like rash on the body. The disease is most common in school-aged children.

What is scarlet fever?

Scarlet fever is a bacterial infection that causes a red, sandpaper-like rash on the body, often accompanied by fever, sore throat and "raspberry tongue".

What is impetigo (chicken pox)?

Impetigo is a skin infection caused by bacteria. It causes oozing sores that crack and form yellow crusts. Impetigo is contagious and most common in children.

What is atopic eczema?

Atopic eczema is a chronic skin disease that causes dry, itchy and inflamed skin. It is most common in children and can be hereditary.

How can I know which disease my child has?

It is important to contact a doctor to get the correct diagnosis and treatment of rashes in children. The doctor will assess the rash, the child's symptoms and any history of infection to find the cause.

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Can I treat childhood illnesses at home?

Most viral infections that cause rashes in children go away on their own. You can relieve the symptoms with fever-reducing, pain-relieving and anti-itching agents. In the case of bacterial infections, antibiotics may be necessary.

If you are unsure or in doubt, contact a doctor.

How can I relieve my child's discomfort from a rash?

You can ease the discomfort of a rash by:

Give the child fever-reducing and pain-relieving medicine (on advice from a doctor or pharmacist).
Cool the skin with cold compresses or a lukewarm bath.
Use anti-itch cream or lotion (on advice from a doctor or pharmacist).
Dress the child in soft, loose-fitting clothes.
Make sure the child gets enough fluids.

When can my child return to daycare/school after a rash?

When the child can return to kindergarten or school depends on the illness and the child's general condition. In the case of infectious diseases, it is important to follow the doctor's advice to avoid infecting others.